How often do you play during off season?

[TourIQ]

Hi Ms. Sjodin

Karin, how much do you play [rounds / week] during the off season, in preparation for the start of the new season. What kind of other stuff do you do to prepare for next year? Is there a particular month each year when you find your ballstriking and game really begins to peak each year? Do you have a coach in Sweden as well as the States, or do you just work with 1 person?

What do you attribute to your great length off the tee? As a junior, did distance come easy or is it something you work on and developed over time? Historically, how often do you replace your game Driver with a new model? What is the length and loft of your driver? When you go to a tournament, do you bring along a full set identical backup, just in case you break a club?

A few questions I was pondering Karin. You don't have to feel compelled to answer them all, you can pick and choose. I do appreciate the time you spend helping us to understand a bit about your game and development routine ...

[Sjodin]

I will try to reply to most of your questions, but I'm unfortunately unable to do it at this time. I'm on my way to the US for a vacation with my family and will think about your questions when I'm gone. You can look forward to a reply when I get back to Oklahoma!!!

I hope you won't mind the delay... Will try to post better replies to make up for it ;)

[TourIQ]

Originally Posted by Sjodin

I hope you won't mind the delay... Will try to post better replies to make up for it ;)

Hi Karin

No apology necessary. You spend the quality time with your family > this is important!
We are honoured that you and Sophie spend time with us and freely offer your insight.

Enjoy your time in Oklahoma. This forum will still be here when you are ready to chat.

[Sjodin]

I'll try to reply to all your questions. Let me know if I forget some!

I usually don't play that much during the off season. The fact that I'm from Sweden might have something to do with that - we can't play during that time of the year. I spend lots of my time working on mechanics instead. I was going to focus on my short game this time, but we've had snow the last couple of weeks here in Oklahoma, so I've had to change the plan and work on the swing instead. I'm a pretty good ball striker and I think that all the energy and time I spend on my mechanics during the cold and dark months have a lot to do with that! I still have a few weeks before the season starts and I hope to be able to work on pitching, chipping, and putting from now on to get those parts of my game ready for a new year!
My coach lives in Varberg, Sweden and I went to see him a few times during the Holidays. He's going to join me during a few tournaments this year to, which I'm really looking forward to!

I actually don't know why I hit it so far. I've never worked on gaining distance - it's something that's always come naturally to me. Here are a few possible things that might have contributed to my distance:
Growing up I participated in many more physical sports, which probably helped. I also didn't worry about mechanics and things like that at an early age. I just hit the ball instead of thinking about where the club was at every moment of the swing. Growing up I played mostly with guys, and that probably made me hit it a bit further too...
I keep a club until it doesn't work for me any more or I find one that works even better. I'm not out there trying new things every week, but if I happen to see something I like and hit it well there is a good chance that I will start using it! I'm currently using a Cleveland Launcher, 8.5 degree and 46 inches.

I'm really sick of paying overweight for my golf bag every week, so I try not to bring anything unnecessary. I usually travel with 17 clubs - 2 drivers (in case one breaks), a hybrid and a 2-iron (I play the one that's better suited to the course we play) and an extra putter.

Hope I managed to answer to all your questions! Let me know if you have think of some more!